Today we’d like to introduce you to Beth Stock Schindler.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I have been a stylist for 17 years, starting my career in Nebraska, my home state. There I also got my cosmetology instructor’s license and taught at my alma mater, The College of Hair Design. My lifelong goal up to that point was to live and work in Chicago where I spent summers with my dad.
Finally feeling ready I got a job at an awesome Chicago salon and moved to the Windy City. I taught the cutting program at Genacelli Salon and joined the Chicago Cosmetologist Artist team where I taught on stage at America’s Beauty Show. After five wonderful years, I branched out again to start a new era of my career. (Two side notes: 1. Check out the definition for “epoch” 2. I did not come up with the name for our salon but the definition resonates perfectly with my stylist journey!)
Epoch Studio Salon was started in 2011 by three friends, Stephanie Ostby, Ben Mahoney and myself. The goal was to be a production based salon offering hair and makeup services to our sister companies, BMP FIlm Co. and Leap Weddings, with daily salon services for the public. We started with two chairs in a shared loft space that had skyline views of the city. My dream!
With such a unique space and partnership, and myself having an early expertise in looks like Balayage and Ombre, word caught on quickly and the salon grew. Seven years later we have a new location in Wicker Park and employee six amazing stylists. Somewhere in the middle, I started my other company called Pass the Brush.
It is a place for beauty professionals to take badass classes that earn them Continuing Education hours, sets them up with new skills and exposes them to a like-minded community that values camaraderie over competition.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Most stylists will agree with me when I say the early years are ROUGH! Even with great education, it takes a while to get your rhythm going and trust yourself and your skills. Building a new business comes with its own challenges. Will people like it? What’s best for the company? How do you market or create a solid brand?
I’d say I’ve always been a go-getter and put most of the pressure on myself to succeed. Surrounding myself with like-minded people, especially ones that also love what they do has been my best asset over the years. My husband, friends and family are my biggest supporters and they push me to keep going, and at times remind me to slow down!
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I’ve already told you how Epoch came to be and the goals we had for it.
As a salon, we specialize in new age hair coloring techniques like balayage, baby lights, and ombre. Haircuts are equally important for a cohesive look. We are also known for our color corrections. I’d say the biggest reasons we are so trusted is because of our honesty with clients. We know how color works and how it doesn’t.
A big part of our jobs is to manage exceptions. We take pride in teaching our clients the hows and whys and not just hope for the best. The more they know ahead of time the more they know we are professionals and we have their best interests in mind.
We are down to earth and form amazing relationships with our clients. We do not judge. We tell the truth.
What were you like growing up?
I’d say only less confident than I am now. Otherwise, I still wear my emotions on my sleeves, put others first and strive to the best version of myself.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1849 W. North Ave Chicago, IL 60622
- Website: www.epochchicago.com
- Phone: 312-224-1700
- Email: create@epochchicago.com
- Instagram: @EpochChicago
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EpochSalonChicago/
- Twitter: @EpochChicago
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/epoch-studio-salon-chicago-3
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/epochchicago/
Image Credit:
BMP FILM CO.
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
